STRICT Synonyms: 147 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'strict' distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of strict are rigid , rigorous , and stringent . While all these words mean "extremely severe or stern," strict emphasizes undeviating conformity to rules, standards, or requirements. // strict enforcement of the law

Q: When could 'rigid' be used to replace 'strict'?

The synonyms rigid and strict are sometimes interchangeable, but rigid implies uncompromising inflexibility. // rigid rules of conduct

Q: When would 'rigorous' be a good substitute for 'strict'?

The words rigorous and strict are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, rigorous implies the imposition of hardship and difficulty. // the rigorous training of recruits

Q: When is it sensible to use 'stringent' instead of 'strict'?

Although the words stringent and strict have much in common, stringent suggests severe, tight restriction or limitation. // stringent standards of admission

strict

adjective

ˈstrikt

Definition of strict

as in accurate

following an original exactly not a strict translation, because a lot of the humor is in the wordplay

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in rigorous

given to exacting standards of discipline and self-restraint that piano teacher is notoriously strict, but students make great strides under her tutelage

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in rigid

not allowing for any exceptions or loosening of standards on a strict diet strict adherence to the letter of the law

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word strict distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of strict are rigid, rigorous, and stringent. While all these words mean "extremely severe or stern," strict emphasizes undeviating conformity to rules, standards, or requirements.

strict enforcement of the law

When could rigid be used to replace strict?

The synonyms rigid and strict are sometimes interchangeable, but rigid implies uncompromising inflexibility.

rigid rules of conduct

When would rigorous be a good substitute for strict?

The words rigorous and strict are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, rigorous implies the imposition of hardship and difficulty.

the rigorous training of recruits

When is it sensible to use stringent instead of strict?

Although the words stringent and strict have much in common, stringent suggests severe, tight restriction or limitation.

stringent standards of admission

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of strict The Coast Guard has strict rules about charter vessels, their operators and renters, and the number of passengers on board. — Dennis Romero, NBC news, 9 Aug. 2026 With strict preservation guidelines limiting more square footage (and to protect the historic facade), the team carefully expanded the kitchen and added a back porch, living room, and vaulted primary suite behind the original structure. — Cameron Beall, Southern Living, 9 Aug. 2026 Fox advises parents to implement strict monitoring and maintain open dialogue to protect their children's mental well-being. — Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 9 Aug. 2026 Despite arguing for strict lockdowns at the start of the pandemic, el Sayed also supported the wave of Black Lives Matter protests starting in the summer of 2020 following the death of George Floyd in Minnesota. — Gabrielle M. Etzel, The Washington Examiner, 9 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for strict

Recent Examples of Synonyms for strict

Adjective

The prerequisite to knowing business value is a cost model that is comprehensive, accurate and trusted.

— Udam Dewaraja, Forbes.com, 10 Aug. 2026
My son was diagnosed with a spontaneous variant resulting in Tatton-Brown-Rahman syndrome, and my daughter ultimately received an accurate genetic diagnosis of Phelan-McDermid syndrome after years of unanswered questions.

— Brad Quick, CNBC, 10 Aug. 2026

Definition of accurate

Adjective

Audit Before You Affirm (or Reject) Before issuing a public statement, conduct a rigorous internal review across all seven areas.

— David Rosowsky, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2026
In fact, there is no federal law against providing medical care for transgender adolescents according to the rigorous standards of care.

— Kaitlin McCallum, Hartford Courant, 7 Aug. 2026

Definition of rigorous

Adjective

But regardless of any lack of confidence in Hamas’ true intentions, in Mladenov’s faith in the ability to verify weapons decommissioning, or indeed Netanyahu’s own willingness to order any troop withdrawals, why poke Trump so publicly in the eye?

— Andrew Carey, CNN Money, 10 Aug. 2026
This problem-first strategy is crucial for unlocking AI's true potential.

— Bernard Marr, Forbes.com, 10 Aug. 2026

Definition of true

Adjective

The plan would sanction top Russian leaders and introduce harsh new penalties on nations that purchase oil and natural gas from Russia.

— Claudia Grisales, NPR, 7 Aug. 2026
Lebson and Richards ⁠denied that allegation, saying that Robert Gilman was held in extremely harsh conditions, tortured and injected with mind-altering drugs by guards, treatment that led to his transfer to the civilian hospital.

— Reuters, NBC news, 7 Aug. 2026

Definition of harsh

Adjective

As a result, German autoworker layoffs are now higher than during the global financial crisis of 2008–9 or the COVID pandemic, forcing German and European business associations to call for unprecedentedly stringent local content requirements.

— Michael B. G. Froman, Foreign Affairs, 13 Aug. 2026
With a less stringent regulatory environment, more companies want to make deals, and Goldman's the most trusted.

— Kevin Stankiewicz,Morgan Chittum, CNBC, 13 Aug. 2026

Definition of stringent

Adjective

Kurz said that the field team put careful consideration into selecting each site.

— John Moritz, Hartford Courant, 14 Aug. 2026
Steve Bardens/Getty Images Brighton & Hove Albion must be careful that the chill of winter does not arrive much earlier than normal for them this season in the Conference League.

— Andy Naylor, New York Times, 14 Aug. 2026

Definition of careful

Adjective

The island’s very existence—a prosperous, democratic Chinese society integrated with the West—offers a stinging rebuke to the claim that authoritarian rule is uniquely suited to the Chinese people.

— Charlie Campbell, Time, 11 Aug. 2026
The reason is that protesters fear that the Republic of Georgia will continue following an authoritarian path similar to Russia’s, crushing their hopes and dreams of being another Western-style democracy that is a member of NATO and the EU.

— Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 10 Aug. 2026

Definition of authoritarian

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strictly

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“Strict.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/strict. Accessed 14 Aug. 2026.

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